Data Generation for Biopesticide (Tricoderma Viride 1.0% WP) for Bioefficacy, Phytotoxicity and Effect on Beneficial Microbes Against Seedling Damping off in Chilli

Pythium damping off of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is very common problem in fields and green houses, whereas the organism kills newly emerged seedlings. Tricoderma viride 1.0% W.P. formulation applied as seed and furrow (soil application) in Chilli significantly reduced the damping off disease of chilli caused by P. aphanidermatum. The yield of chilli was also significantly enhanced. The formulation did not have any phyto-toxic effect on chilli plants at all the dosage levels tested for bioefficacy. The Tricoderma viride 1.0% WP 0.5% W.P. application had no adverse effect on the beneficial rhizospheric microbes, like Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (Glomus spp.) in chilli rhizosphere at all dosages which were confirmed by microscopic observations. Based on the above findings, the Tricoderma viride 1.0% W.P formulation is found safe and effective and may be used as an efficient and eco-safe alternative of synthetic fungicides for the management of damping off disease of chilli and for obtaining higher yields.